Hybrid cochlear/vestibular implant

a cochlear/vestibular implant and hybrid technology, applied in the field of cochlear implant systems and methods, can solve the problems of affecting the daily life of patients with combined loss of hearing and vestibular sensation, unable to effectively treat patients, and unable to achieve the effect of preventing recurrence and prolonging li

Active Publication Date: 2005-12-01
THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] A method of the present invention may include stimulating the vestibular system independent of the cochlear system by means of a microstimulator, such as a BION® microstimulator, made by Advanced Bionics Corporation of Valencia, Calif. ...

Problems solved by technology

Currently available cochlear implants (e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,532,930; 4,592,359; 4,947,844; 5,776,172; and 6,067,474) can restore auditory sensation, and a single-modality vestibular prosthesis (e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,291) can provide artificial vestibular sensation; however, patients with combined loss of hearing and vestibular sensation currently have no effective therapeutic options.
While disability due to loss of vestibular sensation varies widely, patients may be severely affected by chronic disequilibrium and oscillopsia (visual field movement during head movements) that impede activities of daily life.
Disadvantageous...

Method used

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  • Hybrid cochlear/vestibular implant
  • Hybrid cochlear/vestibular implant
  • Hybrid cochlear/vestibular implant

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Embodiment Construction

[0024] The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

Overview

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable cochlear / vestibular stimulation system that is partitioned into two components: (1) a hybrid cochlear / vestibular stimulator component and associated electrode array(s) which are designed to last for the life of the patient; and (2) an implantable speech / motion processor and battery component which are designed to be explanted and replaced from time to time. It is to be understood, however, that other embodiments of the invention may be used. For example, the invention may be practiced in a single implantable component, which comprises a fully implantable cochlear / vestibular ...

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Abstract

A system for treating patients affected both by hearing loss and by balance disorders related to vestibular hypofunction and/or malfunction, which includes sensors of sound and head movement, processing circuitry, a power source, and an implantable electrical stimulator capable of stimulating areas of the cochlea and areas of the vestibular system.

Description

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 575,615, filed May 28, 2004, which application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to cochlear implant systems and methods, and more particularly relates to a system for treating patients suffering from deficiencies of both cochlear and vestibular labyrinthine (balance) function. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] For patients with both cochlear and vestibular sensory loss, a hybrid cochlear / vestibular implant offers significant advantages over single modality prostheses that address only cochlear or only vestibular function. Cochlear and vestibular sensory loss frequently occur together, because hair cells in both parts of the inner ear are similarly sensitive to ototoxic drug exposure, Ménière's disease, infection, trauma, genetic defects and other diseases. Currently available cochlear implants (e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A61N1/18A61N1/36A61N1/372A61N1/378
CPCA61N1/36036A61N1/36038A61N1/372A61N1/37211A61N1/3787
Inventor DELLA SANTINA, CHARLESFALTYS, MICHAEL
Owner THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
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